GNS: Caring for Our Kids in Uncertain Times

Families in GYPSD schools in Fulham, Niton, Wildwood, and Evansburg were recently offered CALM kits from the Bringing Empowered Students Together (BEST)/Mental Health Capacity Building In School Initiative Team as a show of support for the many students most affected by the recent wildfires in those communities. Two of the three BEST team members were also displaced due to the fires and wanted to put some of their thoughts, emotions, and efforts into helping our students.

After seeing a similar response project for children in trauma situations, Erin Bezzola, BEST Manager, came up with the idea for Luvpacks. Members of the BEST and Family School Liaison Counselor (FSLC) team spent a number of hours at the Education Services Centre in Edson putting together the 300+ kits that included items such as blankets, toys, games, personal hygiene items, and snacks.

The Division's Facility Department assisted by delivering the Kits to the schools for distribution out to their families. Principal James Randall at Evansview School shared his appreciation of the team's efforts to help their families: "The kits are being sent home and contain a variety of items that may assist with calming and mindfulness activities for students and families as well as a few extra goodies. Thanks for thinking of our families and our students. We appreciate your kindness and thoughtful approach."

With the recent evacuations for the Town of Edson last week, the BEST team is hoping to put something similar together for these families before the end of the school year.